From Golf · · 50s
Ball in Drain: Fairway Relief Rules
Can you take relief above a drain on fairway?
In brief
Can you take relief above a drain on fairway? A player can take free relief vertically if their ball enters a culvert under fairway, but relief depends on nearest point of complete relief. Originally reported by Golf.
Ball in culvert
A creek runs along left side of hole, enters a culvert under fairway, then exits right side.
Red stakes mark creek
Red stakes mark both sides of creek but terminate at culvert entrance where creek goes underground.
Player claims relief
W. Scott Clark says ball in culvert allows free relief directly above it onto fairway.
Rules Guy responds
Ball in culvert is abnormal course condition, so free relief is allowed.
Relief depends on location
Nearest point of relief might be directly above ball or near culvert entrance.
In short
A player can take free relief vertically if their ball enters a culvert under fairway, but relief depends on nearest point of complete relief.
